Join designer and naturalist, Cydney Ross, for an Earth Day inspired nature walk through Bluebell Valley to see spectacular spring ephemerals in the heart of Kansas City. This natural area is adjacent to Rock Island Trail featuring an abundance of woodland wildflowers alongside the Little Blue River. During the hike, the group will discuss how design, sustainable practices, and environmental stewardship is embodied through the biodiversity in our local ecosystem. This hike is a judgment-free event open to all backgrounds and experience levels and welcomes the LGBTQ+ community, friends, and allies.
The nature hike is limited to 15 individuals, ages 10+ due to the narrow trail and fragility of the surrounding flora. We recommend comfortable hiking boots, long socks/pants, a reusable water bottle, a hat, and a sense of adventure! This walk will total 1 mile on paved and unpaved terrain, rated an easy trail with the exception of a slope to access the unpaved portion of the trail. If inclement weather or unsuitable trail conditions occur that requires cancellation, we encourage you to attend the Go Native event at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, where Cydney will be if this event is canceled. Event registrants will be informed if this occurs.
Outsourced Event
Spring Into Design is a special event organized and presented by the Missouri Department of Conservation for KC Design Week!
We have selected each “outsource” event to deliver something new, something cutting-edge, something unforgettable, and something delightful to add to our schedule. KC Design Week appreciates the Missouri Department of Conservation for their enthusiastic participation!
These events are presented FREE of charge, but advance registration is REQUIRED.
Cydney Ross (she/her) was raised throughout the Greater Kansas City area, and has set down roots in Kansas City, Missouri with her two cats. She earned a BFA in ceramics from Kansas City Art Institute in 2013 and maintains a fine arts practice in ceramics and mixed media in the Crossroads Arts District. Cydney has always had a naturalist spirit, with her earliest memories hiking, floating Missouri rivers, camping with her family, and gardening with her mom. Her endless curiosity, stewardship for the earth, and background in the arts encourages her to enthusiastically inspire folks to connect with nature. She proudly leads LGBTQ+ inclusive nature programs throughout the Kansas City area and is a self-proclaimed “native plant nerd”. Cydney is a Native Landscape Specialist at the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center in Kansas City, a Certified Interpretive Guide, and a Missouri Master Naturalist with the Osage Trails Chapter.